General tours and architectural tours:
Tours last approximately one hour and familiarize participants with the Central Library. General tours have a greater focus on the services of the library and the functions of the various levels and spaces, while architectural tours focus more on the structure and design of the building.
These public tours are first-come, first-served and are limited to 20 participants. The sign-up sheets for each day's tours are made available when the Central Library opens and are located at the Welcome Desk on Level 3, just inside the Fifth Avenue entrance to the library. Participants must sign-up in person; reservations will not be accepted by phone or by e-mail.
Group tours:
Groups of 10-20 must make arrangements for a tour at least two weeks in advance. These tours are offered at no charge. Please complete and submit a Group Tour Request Form. School, children's and youth groups (any K-12 grade age group) should NOT use this form; you should refer to the School Tour information below. Groups will be contacted when we receive the completed request form. Tours will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure not to make arrangements or announcements or print materials for your group without a confirmed reservation from the Library's tour staff.
For further information, please contact the Central Tours office by e-mail centraltours@spl.org or call 206-733-9609.
School tours:
Grades K - 5:
The Central Library offers tours of the Faye G. Allen Children's Center for school groups at 11 a.m. Fridays.
See grades K - 5 tour information
Grades 6 - 12:
The Central Library offers tours of the Starbuck's Teen Center for school groups.
See grades 6 - 12 tour information
